Mobile network operators deliver at every level of the connected car ecosystem

24 February 2017

MNOs are transforming the connected car. Vodafone and AT&T lead the way in deals with automotive manufacturers.

Machina Research has unveiled its 2017 strategy report on MNOs in the connected car, a review of the strategies and offerings of the leading MNOs in the connected car space. Both MNOs and OEMs are depending on connected car growth, and the technology in cars is evolving quickly. The report shows ever increasing investment from MNOs in this segment.

Based on a detailed analysis of eight leading MNOs, Machina Research has determined that Vodafone Automotive offers the most complete set of features and solutions for OEMs. Close behind them, AT&T also works with a large number of OEMs and strategic partners to deliver its AT&T Drive offering. An interesting player is Verizon Telematics, which has fallen behind AT&T in the number of contracts with OEMs but has invested heavily in a different type of offering. Having recently bought fleet management companies Telogis and Fleetmatics, Verizon has focused more on fleets and telematics software. These three are joined in the top-tier of MNOs in this space by Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, Telenor Group and Telia Company.

Commenting on the report, Pierce Owen, IoT Analyst at Machina Research, said: “MNOs are now doing far more than simply providing connectivity in this interesting ecosystem. They have acquired companies and worked with strategic partners to develop end-to-end solutions consisting of secure platforms, applications and data analytics for OEMs. Global leaders such as Vodafone, AT&T and others realize that connectivity still matters, but the ecosystem being built around it carries much more value.”

About the report

The Machina Research Strategy Report 'Mobile Network Operator strategies for the connected car' is the most comprehensive overview and analysis of MNO activity in the connected car. Extending over forty pages, it gives Machina Research’s view on the current and future strategies of eight leading MNOs. It covers the connected car strategies of AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, Telenor Group, Telia Company, Verizon and Vodafone.